Phillies still mullind deadline strategy

By NOAH TRISTER, AP Baseball Writer

Saturday, July 27, 2013

DETROIT — Philadelphia’s assistant general manager is not writing off the season yet.

“I read today, the Mets think they’ve got a chance, and they’re right where we are,” said Scott Proefrock, assistant GM of the Phillies. “You get on a run like they have — they’ve played better of late — and you can find yourself right back in it again.”

Proefrock talked with reporters briefly before Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers. The Phillies were hoping to snap a season-worst six-game losing streak, and they entered the night trailing first-place Atlanta by 9 1/2 games. The Mets trail by 11, but they’re 22-16 since June 16.

With the trade deadline approaching next week, the Phillies are struggling to stay in playoff contention, and they have a few veterans contenders might want — like closer Jonathan Papelbon and left-hander Cliff Lee.

But Proefrock indicated the Phillies still haven’t figured out how they want to approach this year’s deadline.

“I think it’s going to get busier as we get closer. We’re going to get together in Philly early in the week and review things,” he said. “I don’t think a decision has been made as to whether we’re necessarily buyers or sellers yet. I think we’ll listen and consider all things that are proposed or that we propose.”

Lee was scratched from Saturday night’s start because of a stiff neck.

Proefrock would not comment Saturday on Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. A person familiar with the deal said Friday night the Phillies had agreed to a contract with the hard-throwing right-hander. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Phillies hadn’t made an announcement.